Coronavirus: Woman fined £660 for refusing to tell police why she'd left her home

Marie Dinou was found 'loitering between platforms' at Newcastle Central Station. (Getty/stock photo)

A woman who was the first person to be arrested on the railways for breaching coronavirus restrictions has been fined £660.

Marie Dinou, 41, from York, was found "loitering between platforms" at Newcastle Central Station at around 8am on Saturday.

Officers called to the station approached Dinou and attempted to explain the reasons behind government rules behind essential travel during the pandemic.

However, Dinou refused to speak to officers, and she was subsequently arrested on suspicion of travel fraud and breaching the restrictions imposed under the new Coronavirus Act 2020.

She appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Monday and was fined £660 for failing to comply with the requirements set out in the act.

Dinou was also ordered to pay a £66 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “While a ticket offence had also been committed in this case, enforcement of any sort under the new regulations really is a last resort, especially arrest.

The new guidance states: “Use your judgement and common sense; for example, people will want to exercise locally and may need to travel to do so, we don’t want the public sanctioned for travelling a reasonable distance to exercise.

“Road checks on every vehicle is equally disproportionate. We should reserve enforcement only for individuals who have not responded to engage, explain, and encourage, where public health is at risk.”